The original Nikon SB-28 AF-TTL Speedlight (1997-1999)
Nikon AF-TTL SB-28DX Speedlight was announced in 1999 to replaced SB-28 but again,
it was being replaced by the Nikon
AF-TTL SB-802DX Speedlight in 2002. With the introduction
of Nikon Digital SLR cameras, the TTL flash exposure control which utilizes Through
the Lens - Off the Film principle to achieve optimum exposure measurement faces a
challenges as the filmless medium SLRs have no film plane to measure light reflects
back from the film plane for critical exposure measurement. Instead, Nikon developed
a method where the digital cameras use a shutter blade located in front of the CCD
sensor to emulate the same principle of using shutter blades. Essentially, the flash performance and operation
of the Nikon SB-28 and SB-28DX are similar but SB-28DX offers compatibility with
the Nikon D-series Digital SLR cameras.
The SB-28DX is a special version of the Nikon Speedlight SB-28 that features a D-TTL
Auto Flash mode for Nikon Digital SLR cameras, and an Auto Aperture (AA) mode for
Nikon Digital SLR cameras and Kodak DCS600 Series digital cameras. This section describes
how to use the SB-28DX in the D-TTL Auto Flash mode with Digital SLR cameras and
the AA mode with Digital SLR cameras and Kodak DCS 600 Series cameras. Of
course, the SB-28DX works well with film-based Nikon cameras such as the F5 and F100.
Note: The SB28DX can also be distinguished from the SB28 by it's green buttons on
the rear panel instead of the gray buttons used on the SB28. As the D-series SLR
cameras and film combinations use different methods to obtain the same result. Under
normal conditions flash results should be the same, but because different systems
are employed to gain the correct flash output some differences may be experienced.

Warning:- With newer series of Nikon Digital Stll SLR
cameras that offer Nikon CLS (creative Lighting System), such as Nikon D70, the SB-80DX
may perform differently, CliCK HERE
to see the incompatibility of its features (@&#*@(@!!)

Please note the SB=28DX offers D-TTL instead of 3D-TTL.
The Main Difference between 3D-TTL
and D-TTL: 3D-TTL - Is available on the SB-28. It automatically
controls flash output to keep both subject and background correctly exposed. The
SB-28 fires a series of near-invisible preflashes called "Monitor preflash".
These preflashes are detected by the TTL Multi-Sensor in the camera and the data
is then combined with the distance information from D-type Nikkor lenses and other
exposure data to determine the optimal flash shooting distance range and flash output
level for balanced Fill-Flash exposure. During main flash, the camera flash sensor
continues metering the reflected light from the film surface and stops the flash
output at the correct time. D-TTL - Is available when the SB-28DX is used with the
D-series digital SLR cameras. The flash works the in same way as above but there
is no control over flash output during main flash. The flash power is calculated
by Monitor preflash reflections from the light-grey shutter curtain. During actual
exposure, the CCD does not reflect enough light to provide accurate flash sensing.
The SB-28DX automatically detects that it is mounted on a D-series digital SLR camera
and switches from TTL to D-TTL mode.

Notes on using the SB-28DX: It is important that you
must know the combination of either SB-28, SB-28DX, and the camera you are using
in combination with this unit may provide some operational difference as well as
the flash method you will be able to perform. The basic operational sequences of
the Nikon SB-28DX is the same with the SB-28, you can make use of the original specifications (Link for instruction manual is provided)
of the Nikon SB-28 Speedlight as reading reference.

Notes: a) Because Digital SLR cameras are not
listed in the camera groups in the SB-28 instruction manual, refer to the information
for “Cameras in Group 1” b) TTL Auto Flash Mode as described in the SB-28 instruction
manual is not possible. C) Multiple flash operation using the Wireless Slave Flash
Controller SU-4 is not possible. Use the AA or A mode. d) TTL multiple flash operation
using a sync or remote cord such as TTL Remote Cord SC-17 or TTL Multi-Flash Sync
Cords SC-18 or SC-19 is NOT possible.

Notes:* Because DCS600 Series cameras are not listed in the camera groups in the SB-28
instruction manual, refer to the information for “Cameras in Group 1
* TTL Auto Flash Mode as described in the SB-28 instruction manual is not possible.
* D-TTL Auto Flash mode for Digital SLR cameras is not possible.
* Multiple flash operation using the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 is possible.
* TTL multiple flash operation using a sync or remote cord such as TTL Remote Cord
SC-17 or TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cords SC-18 or SC-19 is not possible. LCD panel
(The LCD panel on the SB-28DX differs slightly from that of the SB-28)

Taking flash photographs in the D-TTL
Auto Flash mode In this mode, the SB-28DX
fires a series of nearly invisible preflashes, called the Monitor Preflash. These
preflashes are detected by the camera’s TTL Multi-Sensor to control the flash output,
ensuring correct exposure. Data such as the camera’s ISO setting, aperture, focal
length, and exposure compensation value are automatically transmitted to the SB-28DX
(with Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU mounted.) The following four flash modes
are possible depending on the type of lens mounted.

Note: Standard Flash operation is performed
by measuring monitor preflashes using the TTL multi-sensor’s entire segment area
with emphasis placed on the central segment. * When the camera’s metering system
is set to Spot Metering, the Standard TTL Flash mode for Digital SLRs is set.

Camera settings

1. Set the ISO
sensitivity level. 2. Set the exposure mode.With Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU: Use your desired exposure
mode.With
Nikkor lenses without a built-in CPU: Use Aperture-priority auto (A) or Manual (M)
mode.
3. Set the aperture.

Note: a. With Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU: Set the lens aperture to its minimum
(largest f-number) except G-type lenses. Then set the aperture on the camera. b.
With Nikkor lenses without a built-in CPU: Set the aperture on the lens. In this
case, the aperture set on the SB-28DX’s LCD panel does not directly link the aperture
set on the lens. To check the flash shooting distance range before shooting,
select the aperture on the lens and set the same aperture on the SB-28DX’s LCD panel
by pressing the SB-28DX’s or button, then confirm the flash shooting
distance range using the flash shooting range indicator bars on the LCD panel.

Nikon SB-28DX settings: If the ready-light and the underexposure
indicator blink for approx. 3 seconds after the picture is taken, this indicates
the flash fired at maximum output, meaning that light may have been insufficient
for correct exposure. In that case, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject
before taking the next picture by referring to the amount

4.Select the flash mode.

Press the button once to display or on the
LCD panel. Press the button again to display the LCD panel.

5. Check
the shooting distance using the flash shooting range indicator bars. If the subject is out of range, change
the aperture on the camera to bring the subject within the flash shooting distance
range.

6.Wait for the ready-light to come
on before taking the picture. If the ready-light and the underexposure indicator
blink for approx. 3 seconds after the picture is taken, this indicates the flash
fired at maximum output, meaning that light may have been insufficient for correct
exposure. In that case, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject before
taking the next picture by referring to the amount of underexposure (up to -3 EV)
appearing on the LCD panel. (If “-1.0” is displayed, re-shoot using an aperture that
is at least one stop wider.)

You can recall the amount of underexposure last shown on the LCD panel by pressing
the button.

Table 1 (below): Usable aperture/flash shooting distance
ranges in D-TTL Auto Flash mode Use this table to determine the distance range
in which the correct auto flash exposure will be obtained at various ISO sensitivity
levels, aperture, and zoom settings.

Flash exposure compensationFlash output compensation is possible in 1/3 steps from -3.0
to +1.0EV by pressing the or button to increase or decrease the
compensation while confirming the amount on the LCD panel Note:
Exposure compensation on the camera is possible. To check the correct flash shooting
distance range before taking the picture Point the camera at the subject. After pressing
the shutter release button lightly, press the ~button on the SB-28DX. If the ready-light
blinks for approx. 3 seconds, this indicates the flash fired at maximum output, meaning
that light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, use a wider
aperture or move closer to the subject by referring to Table 2 before taking the
actual picture. The exposure is controlled by the sum total of both exposure compensation
values and the shooting range indicator bars change to match the exposure compensation.
However, the SB-28DX’s LCD panel displays the amount of compensation set on the SB-28DX
only.

W
A R N I N G:
The new
G-SERIES Nikkor lenses have removed the conventional aperture ring on the
lense barrel, they CANNOT adjust aperture(s)
when operating in manual exposure
control even with certain earlier MF/AF Nikon SLR camera models. Butthey
are FULLY COMPATIBLE with the Nikon F5 featured here in all usable metering systems
and/or exposure modes. Please refer to your local distributor for compatibility issue(s).

Credit:Mr.ChuckHester, US for his text re-editing skill for this site;Our staff, HowKiat® who created the 3D-Nikon F5 logo.Mr.
Lew Chee Wai
of YL
camera
for lending his F5 for me to take some shots appeared in this site. All those nice folks who
have contributed their images, in particular Mr. Mike Long, Edwin leong, Palmi Einarsson,
Sergio Pessolano, Fred Kamphues, Harry Eggens, Curtis Forrester,
Nick (Natures
Moments),
Sandra Bartocha;
fellow countrymen, Vincent
Thian, Koh Kho King, Philip Chong, CY Leow etc. and contributions from a few
nice folks from Photo Malaysia Forum. Disclaimers & acknowledgments: Certain content and images
appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures
published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their
own work for public publishing in this website, where majority of the extracted information
are used basing on educational merits. The creator of this site will not be responsible
for any discrepancies that may arise from any possible dispute except rectifying
them after verification from respective source. Neither Nikon or its associates has
granted any permission(s) in using their public information nor has any interest
in the creation of this site. "Nikon",
"Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" "Silent
Wave", "Focus Tracking Lock-on", "Nikkor" & other applicable
technical/business terms are registered trade name(s) of Nikon Corporation Inc.,
Japan. Site made with an Apple G5 IMac.